Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo

The Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo is a delightful twist on two popular cocktails: the Lemon Drop Martini and the Cosmopolitan. This festive drink combines the bright citrusy tang of fresh lemon juice with the fruity sweetness of cranberry juice, enhanced by smooth vodka and a touch of triple sec. Its vibrant red hue, paired with a sugared rim, makes it a show-stopping addition to your holiday celebrations.

Perfect for Christmas parties, cozy evenings by the fireplace, or simply as a seasonal treat, the Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo is a cocktail that embodies the festive spirit. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment, this drink will transport you to a winter wonderland with every sip.

 

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz vodka (citrus-flavored recommended)
  • ¾ oz triple sec or Cointreau (for a more premium flavor)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about one medium lemon)
  • 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened based on preference)
  • ½ oz simple syrup (optional, to adjust sweetness)
  • Ice cubes (for chilling the drink)
  • Granulated sugar for rimming the glass
  • Garnish: Lemon wheel, fresh cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Start by rimming your martini or coupe glass with sugar for a frosty, festive touch. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into a shallow plate of granulated sugar. Shake off any excess sugar and set the glass aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.

Step 3: Add Ice

Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker. The ice will not only chill the drink but also slightly dilute it, balancing the flavors.

Step 4: Shake It Up

Shake the mixture vigorously for 15–20 seconds. This ensures the drink is thoroughly mixed, chilled, and slightly aerated.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Using a cocktail strainer, pour the drink into the prepared glass. Be careful not to disturb the sugared rim while pouring.

Step 6: Garnish

Add a festive garnish to complete the look. Place a lemon wheel on the rim, float a few fresh cranberries in the drink, or add a sprig of rosemary for a Christmasy vibe.

Variation

  • Lime Drop Cosmo: Swap lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a zestier flavor profile.
  • Sparkling Lemon Drop Cosmo: Add a splash of sparkling water or prosecco for a bubbly twist.
  • Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute for the rim and replace simple syrup with a low-calorie alternative.
  • Holiday Spiced Cosmo: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker for a warm holiday flavor.

Cooking Note

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t have the same bright and zesty taste.
  • Sweetness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the simple syrup or using sweetened cranberry juice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo as an elegant starter drink for holiday gatherings or pair it with light appetizers like bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or a charcuterie board. Its refreshing tartness also complements rich desserts like cheesecake or dark chocolate truffles.

Tips

  1. Chill the Glass: Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the drink to keep it extra cold.
  2. Balanced Sweetness: Taste the mixture before shaking to adjust the sweetness level to your preference.
  3. Festive Garnish: Use edible glitter or a sugar cube soaked in cranberry juice for an extra holiday flair.
  4. Batch Preparation: Multiply the ingredients and prepare a large batch in advance for parties. Shake individual servings with ice when ready to serve.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

0 minutes

Total Time

5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 160
  • Protein: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 3 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol?
A: Yes, gin or white rum can be substituted for vodka if you prefer a different base spirit.

Q: How do I make it non-alcoholic?
A: Replace vodka with sparkling water or lemon soda, and use a splash of cranberry juice concentrate for extra flavor.

Q: Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?
A: You can mix the ingredients (except ice) in a pitcher and store it in the fridge. Shake with ice before serving to keep it cold and fresh.

Q: Can I use flavored vodka?
A: Absolutely! Citrus, cranberry, or vanilla-flavored vodkas work beautifully in this recipe for added complexity.

Conclusion

The Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo is a dazzling cocktail that combines the zesty tang of lemon, the sweetness of cranberry, and the warmth of vodka into a festive holiday drink. Its vibrant red color, sugared rim, and refreshing taste make it a standout addition to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, enjoying a quiet night by the fire, or simply looking for a cheerful drink, this cocktail is sure to bring joy and sparkle to your festivities.

Give this recipe a try and toast to the season in style. Cheers to good times, great company, and unforgettable flavors!

 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 5 min

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz vodka (preferably citrus-flavored)
  • ¾ oz triple sec or Cointreau
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, based on preference)
  • ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Granulated sugar for rimming the glass
  • Lemon slices or cranberries for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini or coupe glass. Dip the rim into a shallow dish of granulated sugar to create a frosted, festive rim. Set the glass aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.

Step 3: Add Ice

Fill the shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture thoroughly.

Step 4: Shake It Up

Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds to combine the flavors and ensure the drink is well chilled.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, careful not to disturb the sugared rim.

Step 6: Garnish

Garnish with a lemon slice, a sprig of rosemary, or a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t have the same bright and zesty taste.
  • Sweetness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the simple syrup or using sweetened cranberry juice.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min

Nutrition

  • Calories: 160
  • Sodium: 3 mg
  • Protein: 0 grams